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English

Two students look over an English text book

The Department of English at Iowa State University offers a flexible 36-credit English BA, allowing you to gain experience in fields such as literature, rhetoric, creative writing, English education, literary editing, and professional communication. You may also earn a BS degree by taking 12 additional credits in natural science, social science, mathematics, or selected kinesiology courses. Experience the broad, diverse scope of English studies and configure a course plan to match your personal interests.

Students seeking licensure in English education must meet specific requirements, detailed below. More information on specific teacher licensure requirements is available in the ISU Catalog or from the English Education Advisor, Madison Akers.

I chose to major in English because I knew that one of the most transferable skills that there is in almost every industry, and it’s an important thing to be able to communicate and articulate what you need, and helps to understand what other people are asking.

Madeline Gillette, ’23 English

General requirements

In addition to general education course requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), all English majors, regardless of their interests, must complete at least 36 credits of coursework in English department classes. These 36 credits are distributed across four English Major Group Requirements (Texts and Language, Critical Reading and Textual Analysis, Advanced Communication, and 2000-, 3000-, or 4000-level English Electives) and one set of Additional and Overlapping Requirements that may be met with courses taken in the Major Group.

Students may receive the English BS degree by taking 12 additional credits in natural science, social science, mathematics, or selected kinesiology courses.

The Texts and Language group includes courses that introduce the discipline and its components.

Choose 5 of the following:

  • ENGL 2010: Introduction to Literature
  • ENGL 2070: Introduction to Creative Writing
  • ENGL 2200: Descriptive English Grammar
  • ENGL 2250: Survey of British Literature to 1800*
  • ENGL 2260: Survey of British Literature since 1800*
  • ENGL 2270: Survey of American Literature to 1865*
  • ENGL 2280: Survey of American Literature since 1865*
  • ENGL 2370: Survey of Film History
  • ENGL 2600: Introduction to Literary Study*

* denotes required course for an emphasis in English education.

The Critical Reading and Textual Analysis group includes courses that provide theoretical frameworks for reading and writing and develop textual analysis skills.

Choose 2 of the following:

  • ENGL 2750: Analysis of Popular Culture Texts
  • ENGL 3100: Rhetorical Analysis*
  • ENGL 3390: Literary Theory and Criticism
  • ENGL/SPCM 3500: Rhetorical Traditions
  • ENGL 3960: Teaching the Reading of Young Adult Literature*

* denotes required course for an emphasis in English education.

The Advanced Communication group includes courses that teach students to communicate effectively within their discipline.

Choose 1 of the following:*

  • ENGL 3020:  Business Communication
  • ENGL 3030:  Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines
  • ENGL 3040:  Creative Writing—Fiction
  • ENGL 3050:  Creative Writing—Nonfiction
  • ENGL 3060:  Creative Writing—Poetry
  • ENGL 3080:  Write Like a Woman
  • ENGL 3090:  Report and Proposal Writing
  • ENGL 3130:  Rhetorical Website Design
  • ENGL 3140:  Technical Communication
  • ENGL 3150:  Creative Writing—Screenplays
  • ENGL 3160:  Creative Writing—Playwriting

The English Electives group includes most courses taught within the Department of English. It allows students to pursue study in their areas of interest.

The Additional and Overlapping Requirements group is designed to ensure that students

  1. study at all levels of the curriculum,
  2. explore texts produced by different cultures in various historical periods, and
  3. leave the university with a portfolio of work that demonstrates their skill and accomplishments to instructors and potential employers.

All English majors must complete the following within the 120 credits required for the degree. These requirements may overlap with English Major group requirements (see lists above), with General Education requirements, or with electives.

  • 3 cr. Literature of Social or Environmental Justice (ENGL 3400s series or ENGL 3520, 3550, or 3890; counts in General Education US Diversity Group)
  • 15 cr. of study in English at the 3000 level
  • 9 cr. of study in English at the 4000 level
  • 9 cr. of English with a historical perspective (2250-2280, 2370, 3500, 3530-3504, 3600s, 3700s, 4200)

All English education majors must complete the following within the 120 credits required for the degree. These requirements may overlap with English Major group requirements (see lists above), with General Education requirements, or with electives.

  • ENGL 2190: Introduction to Linguistics*
  • ENGL 2200: Descriptive English Grammar*
  • ENGL 3530: World Literature: Western Foundations through Renaissance*
  • ENGL 3540: World Literature: Seventeenth Century to the Present*
  • ENGL 3970: Practice and Theory of Teaching Writing in Secondary Schools*
  • ENGL 4200: History of the English Language*
  • ENGL 4940: Practice and Theory of Teaching Literature in Secondary Schools*

* denotes required course for an emphasis in English education.

Emphasis or minor

Adding an English education emphasis

Adding an emphasis in English education will teach you to understand how learners grow and develop, valuing individual differences and cultural diversity to ensure inclusive learning environments. You will be able to apply central concepts and structures by using a variety of instructional strategies, including technology, to encourage student creativity, problem solving, and collaboration.

All students preparing to become teachers need to complete the requirements of the major and also complete the requirements of the Secondary Major in Education including completion of Student Teaching (ENGL 4170E Student Teaching: English and Literature). Credits in ENGL 4170E can apply toward the 4000 level courses requirement of the English major. Note: Teacher license requirements are established by the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and are subject to change.

Adding a second major or minor

All English majors (except those with an education emphasis) are strongly advised to choose a minor or second major to complement their study of English. All English majors have the option to minor in technical communication, another program offered through the English department. If you are an English education student, you should consider adding an additional endorsement, not to be confused with a university minor.

Experiences

Students at Iowa State University can tailor their experience to make sure they gain valuable skills for the future.

A wide variety of student organizations and clubs are available for students to join—including academic, honor societies, political & activism, intramural sports and Greek life.

Gain leadership and service experience through the Student Activities Center, go to one of the many fun campus events like the Cyclone Carnival, or learn more about clubs and activities at the annual ClubFest to see the many ways you can get involved during your time at Iowa State.

Students from every background can apply for departmental scholarships once a year to help fund their education and better focus on what’s important – the experience.

Your future in the making

A degree in English can lead to wide variety of careers, including:

  • English education
  • Copywriter
  • Editor
  • Author
  • Grant writer
  • Social media manager
  • Public relations manager
  • Brand strategist

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